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Royal Navy release turtles into the wild in Bali conservation mission
20 February 2025
Royal Navy sailors from HMS Spey cleaned valuable nesting sites of damaging plastics and released baby turtles into the wild during a conservation mission in Bali.
The Offshore Patrol Vessel visited Bali as part of multi-national Indonesian Exercise Komodo and, while visiting the island helped environmental groups on their critical work.
They joined sailors and personnel from other nations, including Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, in a series of activities with the highlight for many being the release of dozens of turtles at Nusa Dua Beach.
The first moments of life after hatching are critical for the baby reptiles who have to make it from their birthing nests to the ocean. The release by the sailors ensured a high survival rate – boosting the creatures’ population and securing future generations.
Able Rating William Lonergan, who took part in returning the baby reptiles to the wild, said: “Supporting environmental protection and conservation is one of Spey’s primary missions in the Indo-Pacific region. However, it’s a rare opportunity to get this ‘hands on’ supporting conservation.
“Our Indonesia hosts explained to us the importance of marine life to the local ecosystem. We were all given a baby turtle to release, mine was called Terry. Helping him find his bearing towards his ocean habitat is an experience I’ll never forget.
“Fair winds and following seas Terry.”
While some of HMS Spey’s ship’s company got hands on with the turtles, others were ensured the future of another part of Indonesia’s ecosystem.
Leading Hand Kasey Easson took part in the planting of mangroves among other international visitors with their efforts rewarded with drinks and chocolate brownies made from the mangroves’ leaves.
Mangroves are an important part of Balinese culture and planting them offers numerous environmental and human security benefits. Aside from being a food source, mangroves also filter salt water through their roots converting it into fresh water.
They also protect coastlines as they are a natural buffer, shielding coastal areas from storms, tsunamis, and erosion. Mangroves typically have a life span of 20 years.
“It is gratifying to know that the mangrove tree I planted today will go on to provide sustenance and protection to communities in Bali for decades,” said Kasey.
“Individually our actions may seem small but our combined efforts with our allies and partners; working together we can have a real impact in addressing the environment security challenges that affect us all globally.”
Supporting environmental protection and conservation is one of Spey’s primary missions in the Indo-Pacific region.
The wildlife and habitats of Bali are often affected by plastics and other waste washing up on its pristine beaches so a beach clean was also among the activities for the day.
Medical Assistant Sophie Broughton, Able Rating Jago Biles and Sublieutenant Kamil Rahman, a Royal New Zealand Navy exchange officer, helped with the beach clean on Mertasari Beach alongside school children and Indonesian Navy cadets. Most of their bags were filled with plastic which will be recycled.
The conservation day as part of Exercise Komodo was a chance for the Indonesian Navy to highlight the impact of climate change and the affect human behaviour has on its environment.
HMS Spey were keen to show their support and hear about the efforts being undertaken, in one instance with the planting of coral reefs.
They got to learn about how coral replanting ensures the diversity of the marine ecosystem and supports the food chain.
Lieutenant Andrew Yarwood attended the presentation on the coral reefs and said it was a great opportunity to learn about the importance of the activity.
He said: “It was a privilege to be part of today’s demonstration of our multinational commitment with defence partners to protect and rejuvenate the maritime ecosystems we all depend on.
“As the greenest ship in the Royal Navy HMS Spey is an exemplar of using modern technology to operate in a sustainable manner. Today’s activities were a tangible demonstration to partners and allies of the Royal Navy’s commitment to environmental security and stability.”